This post is not really about the place, but the person. On Tuesday, I went up to Scott’s parents’ house for some crafting and for Joan to help me put together my save-the-dates (more on that process soon). On Wednesday, Joan fell terribly ill and had to cancel on our “girlfriend time” with five-year-old Kiva (her granddaughter, my niece-to-be), so I took her for the day instead. And what an action-packed day we had. I needed a nap halfway through it.
Being five again (for the day) does not suck, let me tell you. First, you can justify doughnuts for breakfast.
And play on the school playground, which is the same playground where Kiva “chases the boys,” even when everyone else has gone home.
Me: What do you do when you chase them?
Kiva: Uh, I just chase them.
Me: And what do you do when you catch them?
Kiva: Uh, I just catch them. Then…I go and find another!
(World—and Mommy and Grammie—watch out for this one.)
(She also called me “little,” and when I said I’m not exactly little, though I’d like to be, she said “but you’re young.” I said thank you and asked how young I was exactly. “Um, six?” Ten years from now, she better be singing the same tune, ha.)
You can also justify pigtails—it was the first time I’ve ever seen her in them and, dang, is she adorable—and carry around a sticky lizard you talk to as if he/she (the gender changed every five minutes) were real.
And climb things just because they’re there, with no fear of falling.
And eat ice cream like it’s going out of style without worrying it might go straight to your thighs.
And wear nerd glasses at the IMAX without worrying about embarrassing yourself.
Yes, being five (almost six) has its benefits, that’s for sure.
Good thing she’s already confident in front of my lens—granted, I’ve known her now for half her life—as she has many more years of being my child model (until she hits, say, 14 and I embarrass her).
Because this cuteness? It could kill baby unicorns, I tell you.
And I think we might just have a Kristin Jr. in training, what do you think?
Maybe one of these days in my old age, she’ll be the one taking pictures of me…oh wait, it’s already happened!
(Not bad—huh?—and with a cell phone at that!)
*All photos taken with a Canon XTi, 50mm, housed in a LowePro SlingShot. Kiva’s one winning shot was snapped with my BlackBerry Tour.
**For more Photo Friday fun, head over to Delicious Baby.
What lovely pictures from a wonderful day! It looks like you guys had so much fun and many of those pictures would be beautiful hanging on the wall! You can really see your personalities shining through!
She’s so cute! She does seem a little like you…
Great photos of a fun day. It makes me want to be 5 again! I love the way she catches boys, get one and then catch the next…she’s got it all worked out already!
She is such a cutie – especially when ingesting sugar and catching reptiles.
Loved this, Kristen. You’re so clever with your writing and I admire your talent. You’re right. She’s a living doll.
What a fun day! Kiva had a blast with her “girlfriend” Kristin. You are already an amazing Aunt, thanks again for saving the day!!
oops, I forgot to mention how great these pics are!! I love them and the narrative of the day
God, I wish I could do that every day! It would be so fun to be 5 every day!
too cute for words. what a fun day you 2 had!
Ain’t both my girls adorable? When Kiva comes over for her Grammie days she asks to turn on my laptop and show her pictures “of Kristin being brave” she is entranced by the bungie jumping, rock climbing, shark diving etc. Another wonderful role model for my beautiful grandbaby
Joan van Velsot
aka grammie, mom, mother in law
Oh to be five again!
Love this! You did a great job of capturing her and also why it’s fun to be a kid. I do miss those days of being an energetic aunt – before I got old and tired and had kids of my own
When are you going to babysit McK for the day?!?
What a great day you guys had!! You are amazing photographer and your niece-to-be is so adorable!
What a great series of shots. I’m not surprised to hear you needed a nap after all of that
Your neice is adorable and free, plus very photogenic.
How fun to play for the day and share that freeness of being a child. We should all do this, regularly, to remind us what life is all about.
Excellent captures of a memorable day.
Just adorable. What a lovely day.
What a lucky kid to have such a fun role model. Also, every time you’re in my hometown and I see the aftermath, I really think we need to hang out! Thankfully, I’ll see you in SF next month with Jennie and Moose and such. xo
Love the fact that you’re six, and Kiva really is so very cute.
She is adorable! And yes, this is going to sound old but I was totally relieved when you explained that lizard was fake.
She thinks you’re six! That’s completely adorable.
1) I’m sending a dozen donuts from Doughnut Plant to Kiva. If she’s going to eat them for brekky, they better be the best. I know this because I just had one…I mean, three.
2) The best part of your pic with the Chipmunks is that you’re wearing green to make up for the missing Theodore. Although, you are definitely much more of a Brittany from the Chippettes.
-Sarah